Sister Jacqueline Marie Kieslich (Sr. Marie), RSM, 83, of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died at Gardenview Community, Converse Home, in Burlington, VT, on October 20, 2025, in her 61st year of religious life. Sr. Marie was born in Burlington, VT on August 15, 1942, the daughter of Lucille (Audette) and Albert J. Kieslich. She was a graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy; received her BS in Sociology from Trinity College in Burlington, VT; MA in Special Education from the University of Oregon; and Ph.D. in Higher and Adult Education from University of Maryland.

Sister Marie entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 8, 1964, and professed her vows on August 15, 1967. She taught in elementary schools at Mater Christi and Christ the King in Burlington, VT and Saint Mary’s School in Middlebury, VT, and in higher Education at Trinity College where she ministered for several years. She also served as Director of Special Religious Education for the Diocese of Burlington. Sister Marie was instrumental in establishing Special Religious Education Programs throughout the Diocese, traveling often at night to parishes throughout VT.

Along with Sister Janice Ryan, Sister Marie established the Special Religious Education (SPRED) Program providing the Religious Formation for numerous children with special needs in an inaugural program at Trinity College involving college students from Trinity College and Saint Michael’s College. Sr. Marie served on several Boards including Mercy Connections, Mater Christi School, Saint Michael’s College, Salva Regina University, Burlington Community Land Trust, Vermont Catholic Charities, and Mercy Higher Education Colloquium. While at Trinity College she was Chair of the Education Department, Academic Dean, and was appointed President by the Board of Trustees of Trinity College. While President, Sister Marie, her Administrative Team and the Board of Trustees had the responsibility of closing Trinity College of VT, and of the sale of the Trinity College Campus to the University of Vermont, and of facilitating the transition of the Trinity students, and records.

Following her tenure at Trinity College, Sr. Marie was appointed by the Sisters of Mercy as Co-Chair of the “Integration Team for the “Reimagining and Reconfiguration Process” of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. In 2006 she was elected as a member of Leadership Team of the former Northeast Community for eight years and in 2014 she was elected as President of the Northeast Leadership Team and served generously for four more years.

Sister Marie will be remembered for her love of nature, visits to art museums, travel, music, love and dedication for her family and friends, and her winning smile.
Sister Marie is survived by her Sisters in Religion, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, her brother James (Judy) Kieslich of Peru, NH, nephews Jeffery (Sarah) Kieslich of Milton, Gregory (Christina) Kieslich of Jericho, niece, Nicole (Michael) Olzinski, of CT. and grandnieces Ryleigh, and Alexis Olzinski, Haley Moulton, Taylor Kieslich, Charlotte and Mabel Kieslich, and grandnephew Corbin Kieslich and several cousins, including Marcelle (Thomas) Lasher. She was predeceased by her parents Lucille and Albert Kieslich and her brother Richard (Dick) Kieslich.

Our prayers and deepest gratitude to the caring staff at Converse Home, Gardenview memory care community, and University of Vermont Home Health-Hospice Team.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Sacred Heart Chapel at Mater Christi School (former Mount Saint Mary Convent), 100 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT, with visiting hours from 9:30 – 11:00 AM and burial will follow the funeral in the Mount Saint Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sisters of Mercy in support of their ministerial works, Attn: Sister Laura Della Santa, 356 Mountain View Drive, Suite 101, Colchester, VT 05446